Museums, Parks, and Landmarks to Visit on Your Roadtrip from Arlington, Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida
If you're looking for a road trip that will take you through some of the most beautiful places along the East Coast, then driving from Arlington, Virginia to Jacksonville, Florida is a great option. This journey will take you through different states and introduce you to a variety of cultural and natural sites. Here are the top museums, parks, and landmarks you should visit during your road trip.
Did you know that the shortest distance between Arlington, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida is approximately 700 miles? While this may seem like a lot of mileage, traveling this by car will give you an opportunity to combine fun and adventure while making unforgettable memories. Travelers can spend a minimum of 11 hours on the road if they take the quickest route without any stops. However, there are several attractive places to pause along the way.
About halfway between Arlington, Virginia, and Jacksonville, Florida lies the town of Hamer, South Carolina. This small, quiet town is home to several restaurants, convenient stores, and gas markets. It’s an excellent place to break for lunch and stretch your legs before continuing on with the journey.
The entire trip from Arlington, Virginia, to Jacksonville, Florida is over 700 miles, which can be traveled in approximately 11-13 hours, depending on the number and duration of stops. However, we recommend making plenty of stops to take in the nearby historic and cultural sites that are scattered throughout the journey.
Without further ado, here are the top five museums, parks, and landmarks to visit over the course of your journey.
- Mount Vernon - Alexandria, VA
Mount Vernon, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is the historic home of George Washington, the first President of the United States. Mount Vernon, where George Washington lived for over 40 years, houses a Museum and Education Center that displays a remarkable collection of Washington's artifacts, memorabilia, and rare allusions. It's a look into the life of one of the most famed and admired US presidents.
Point of Interest: Take a tour of the Museum and Education Center to learn more about the life of George Washington, then get a guide to take you around the expansive estate to see the many restored buildings and beautiful gardens.
- Colonial Williamsburg - Williamsburg, VA
Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia offers a chance to step back to the 18th century. It's a living history museum that features reconstructed buildings, restored structures, and costumed interpreters who lead tours through the site. It is also home to many shops and restaurants that feature regional delicacies like freshly made cheese and roasted Virginia peanuts.
Point of Interest: Trolley rides are available throughout the property, taking you to important sites like the Governor's Palace, The Public Gaol, and the equitation school.
- The World of Coca-Cola - Atlanta, GA
The World of Coca-Cola, located in Atlanta, Georgia, is a must-visit for anyone who loves the drink. The museum provides insight into the history of the world's most successful soft drink and the company's impact on society. You can also sample more than 100 different kinds of Coca-Cola products.
Point of Interest: Take selfies with the Coca-Cola bear and the longest range of sodas from around the world.
- Savannah Historic District - Savannah, GA
The Savannah Historic District in Savannah, Georgia, is the story of one of America's most charming places. This place is particularly remarkable for its stunning Victorian architecture, tree-lined streets, and beautiful parks that are home to ancient oak trees. Spanning over 2.5 square miles, the district is best explored on foot.
Point of Interest: Parks and landmarks to visit along the district include Forsyth Park, Bonaventure Cemetery, and the Colonial Park Cemetery.
- Castillo de San Marcos - St. Augustine, FL
The Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida, is one of the top landmarks in the state. Explore the fort's history, beginning with its construction in the late 1600s, and learn more about the military strategies that Spanish soldiers used to defend their territory.
Point of Interest: Visitors can catch a one-hour boat tour of the Matanzas Bay aboard the Victory III pirate ship, and enjoy fun activities such as dolphin spotting, swimming with dolphins, and going on treasure hunts.
In conclusion, a road trip from Arlington, Virginia, to Jacksonville, Florida is a great way to explore and embrace the East Coast’s charm. With historic sites, parks, and landmarks all along the way, there is never a dull moment on this journey. The journey can last a couple of days with plenty of stops, but it's worth it to fully appreciate what the different states and cities have to offer. So pack up your car and begin the adventure now!